Webinar to examine FCC robotics ruling's impact on automation buyers

In July, the Federal Communications Commission said it had determined that certain foreign-made advanced robots pose cybersecurity and competitive risks to the United States. The agency restricted imports of new models of advanced robotic devices, including mobile robots and legged robots.

The decision raises practical questions for companies considering such systems: what design, deployment and ongoing support issues should buyers anticipate? The commission's action covers new models, not all existing deployments, and it has prompted debate over cybersecurity, competition and supply chains. The webinar will focus on those buyer concerns rather than on the policy alone.

Leaders from Vecna Robotics, Locus Robotics and the Association for Advancing Automation will discuss the practical implications of the FCC determination. The free webinar is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026.

The panelists will examine how connected robotic systems differ from traditional automation. They will also consider what the ruling means for buyers evaluating new robot purchases and what buyers should ask before committing to a platform.

Attendees will learn how companies can assess the long-term supportability of robotics investments. The discussion will cover supply-chain strengthening, the questions buyers should ask technology providers, and how the changing landscape could affect the U.S. robotics industry.

The session is intended to help automation buyers build acquisition, implementation and service strategies for resilience. It will also track how the robotics ecosystem is responding to U.S. policy and competitive pressures, and how policy uncertainty may shape procurement timelines.

The webinar will help attendees identify which robot types and companies are affected by the FCC action. It will also explain the intent behind the restriction and other U.S. policies under consideration, such as tariffs.

Other topics include standards efforts beyond regulatory changes, long-term automation trends, and ways to build acquisition, implementation and service strategies for resilience. The panel will also look at standards work and long-term trends that may outlast the current policy debate. The panelists will answer questions during the live broadcast.

Registration is free for the webinar, which is sponsored by Vecna Robotics. The live session will be available on demand afterward to registrants.

The event is aimed at automation buyers and others who need to understand FCC policy implications. It will also address how companies can evaluate the long-term supportability of their robotics investments. Registrants can submit questions for the live Q&A, and the recording will be available afterward.

Karl Iagnemma is CEO of Vecna Robotics Inc., a material handling systems provider. He holds a Ph.D. from MIT and was director of the MIT Robotic Mobility Group.

Iagnemma previously founded nuTonomy, a driverless-car software business acquired by Aptiv for $450 million. Under his leadership, nuTonomy was spun out into Motional, a $4 billion joint venture with Hyundai Motor Co. He brings experience scaling robotics companies from research through commercialization.